Summary

• Graphic design programs train students to use common software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, etc., for various creative tasks.
• If you are looking for an excellent graphic design program, then you can look for details of this Edison College program.
• A diploma in graphic design can pay you a median salary of $30 per hour in Canada.
• The core duties of a graphic designer include designing logos, social media graphics, advertising brochures, designing websites, etc.

What is a Graphic Design Program?

A graphic design program is something that prepares students for different kinds of digital illustrations.

Such programs train students to use common software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, etc., for various creative tasks.

If you are inspired by visuals, colours, ideas, and animated characters, then a diploma in graphic design can provide you limitless opportunities.

Today, the advertising and marketing industries heavily depend on graphic designers, animators, and illustrators, who usually work together to execute small and large campaigns.

A diploma or certificate in graphic design program can take up one to two years. However, a bachelor’s degree in design from a university takes four years in Canada.

Graphic designers also work in complex and large industries, like the video game industry. But in such cases they may need to learn more skills like animation, code, etc.

Some of the core duties of a graphic designer include:

• Designing logos and social media graphics.
• Designing advertising and marketing brochures.
• Designing websites.
• Collaborating with other professionals to complete large projects.

Common Graphic Design Courses

Some of the common courses that are taught in the graphic design program include fundamentals of graphic design, shape and colour theory, introduction to visual design, introduction to drawing, etc.

For instance, Edison College’s graphic design diploma trains students on core areas like typography, colour theory, visual layout, digital illustration, etc.

It is crucial for graphic design students to master certain software. For example, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop Advanced, Adobe Premiere Pro, Digital Darkroom, etc., are some of those software that create the foundation for a graphic design career.

Some diploma programs also require students to create a professional graphic design portfolio during their studies. The concept behind this activity is to prepare students for the job market.

Employers prefer those candidates that have a portfolio to present so that they can better assess the technical skills and interests of the candidate before they complete the hiring process.

How Much Can You Earn with a Diploma in Graphic Design?

A diploma in graphic design can pay you a median salary of $30 per hour in Canada, according to the Government of Canada Job Bank.

Ontario leads all other provinces with a median wage of $32.21 per hour, then comes British Columbia with $31.25 per hour, New Brunswick with $28.85 per hour, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador with $28.85 per hour, Quebec with $28.00 per hour, Alberta with $27.88 per hour, Prince Edward Island with $27.57 per hour, Manitoba with $25.00 per hour, and Saskatchewan with $23.00 per hour.

These are just median salaries. These numbers can be as low as $19.50 per hour or as high as $51.92 per hour.

The median salary of $30 per hour is a significantly higher salary in Canada compared to diplomas in various other fields.

A higher median salary is definitely a good point to consider if you are looking to enroll in a graphic design program.

Conclusion

People who have interest in drawing and colours usually opt for a graphic design program. It allows them to nurture their creativity and play with designs, shapes, and colours.

The good news is that it also allows you to grow by learning new software and experimenting with new platforms. Moreover, it also provides better-than-average salaries, which is quite an interesting combination.  

Join the Graphic Design Diploma Program at Edison College

The Graphic Design Diploma provides students with a strong foundation in visual communication and digital creativity. This program blends traditional design principles with modern tools, offering training in core areas such as typography, colour theory, visual layouts, and digital illustration.

Students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere Pro, while also building skills in photography, drawing, and business practices.

Through a combination of practical projects and theoretical knowledge, students learn to design for both print and digital media, creating professional layouts, brand identities, and multimedia content.

The online graphic design courses in this program emphasize creativity, problem-solving, and technical precision, preparing graduates to showcase their talents through a professional portfolio and pursue a wide range of opportunities in the design industry.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us now to learn more.

Read more industry-related blogs here.

Pictures by Freepik